pollutant

noun

pol·​lut·​ant pə-ˈlü-tᵊnt 

plural pollutants

: something that pollutes

especially : something (such as anthropogenic waste) that makes an environment unsuitable or unsafe for use

sources of pollutants [=pollution] in the environment

Meanwhile, scientists warned that other air pollutants—especially from automobiles—might also be contributing to health problems, forest damage and decreased crop production.

—National Wildlife

Formaldehyde is an important atmospheric pollutant that can be produced in photochemical smog.

—Des W. Connell

A 165-foot cement tower contains radium-rich blends that have given off radon gas—a pollutant that can cause cancer.

—Michael H. Brown

Synonyms

• adulterant
• contaminant
• contamination
• defilement
• impurity

Examples of pollutant in a Sentence

filtered the pollutants out of the water

Recent Examples on the Web

These tests usually involve measuring the levels of pollutants emitted from a vehicle's exhaust system. —David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024

The water quality standards apply to concentrations of pollutants in surface waters like lakes, rivers and ponds, but are separate from drinking water standards. —Ainsley Platt, arkansasonline.com, 22 Dec. 2024

Michigan's bald eagle population has rebounded after plummeting due to pollutants in waterways and widespread use of the pesticide DDT, which negatively affected the eagles’ ability to reproduce. —Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 19 Dec. 2024

This lessens the washing of harmful pollutants into the whale’s nursery while cooling the waters with a decrease in hot water. —Dr. Rob Moir, Boston Herald, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pollutant

noun

pol·​lut·​ant pə-ˈlüt-ᵊnt 

: something that pollutes

Medical Definition

pollutant

noun

pol·​lut·​ant pə-ˈlüt-ᵊnt 

: something that pollutes

especially : something (such as anthropogenic waste) that makes an environment unsuitable or unsafe for use